STAFFORD – Rowan Pennink means no offense to the fans getting excited for NAPA Fall Final weekend at Stafford Motor Speedway and the final SK Modified events of the season on Oct. 2.

Last year Pennink and Ryan Preece gave the fans a drama filled final event of the season with Pennink carrying a 12-point lead into final race of the season. Pennink finished fourth that day and Preece third to give Pennink his first SK Modified championship at Stafford.

Late season struggles saw what was a big lead for Pennink take a big hit in the final month of the season.

Pennink held off Ted Christopher on a late race restart to win the 40-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature Friday at Stafford.

It was the fifth victory of the season for Pennink. Christopher, of Plainville was second and Mike Christopher Jr. of Wolcott third.

Pennink now holds a 50-point lead over Ted Christopher with four events remaining this year.

“We’re obviously shooting for the championship,” Pennink said. “To finish off the year we just want to keep doing what we did tonight and stay out of wrecks and keep bringing fast cars to the race track and running to the front for wins. We struggled doing that a little bit at the end of last year, to win the championship we got it done. But this year we want to see if we can not make it so interesting come Fall Final weekend, win a couple more races before the year is up.”

Pennink went by Matt Galko for the lead on lap 31. The caution flew on lap 38 but Pennink was able to easily keep Ted Christopher at bay.

“I really wasn’t too worried,” Pennink said. “I knew we had a really good car. I knew as long as I didn’t miss a shift or do something stupid on the restart we were going to be alright. I just made sure I didn’t overdrive the car on those last couple laps and just brought it home.”